Local candidates campaign at parade

High school bands pounded out their school songs, an Elvis impersonator swiveled his hips atop the back of a pickup truck and boy scouts and youth cheerleaders tossed out Tootsie Rolls. In fact, as far as small-town parades go, Sunday's annual Bloomfield Apple Festival parade was missing only one element: apples. \nThe parade, which started at Bloomfield High School and wound through the downtown area for about a mile, showcased politicians more than produce. Joining the local marchers were Congressman John Hostettler (R-8th), Democratic challenger Dr. Paul Perry and Congresswoman Peggy Welch (D-60th). \nIU College Republicans and College Democrats members also braved the cold temperature and threatening skies to march alongside their candidates. The groups turned out in full red-and-white and blue-and-yellow gear and handed out political stickers to anyone who would accept one. \nStudent supporters and campaign aides said the casual atmosphere of parades allows residents to get to know candidates from both parties on a personal basis. \nBut the messages in Bloomfield Sunday were not new, with Republicans touting their platform of smaller government and Democrats promising their candidates would do more to help public schools. But candidates and students alike said they welcomed the opportunity to take part in the Bloomfield Apple Festival parade. \nSophomore April Gonzales, a College Democrats marcher, said, "It's the hometown, grassroots things that help show people that (Perry) is a real person."\nNo media cameras flashed and no law enforcement officers in sunglasses guarded the candidates along this small-town parade route. The candidates for once didn't have the pressure of making a speech; they simply walked and waved, smiled and shook hands. \nThe parade itself seemed like a trip back to America of the 1950s, as cherry-red Ford Mustangs, bright orange Chevy Bel-Airs and John Deere tractors honked their way through the town. A man on an early 1900s-style bicycle, complete with American flags attached to the spokes, led political marchers. The parade featured an Apple Festival Queen who carried a red plastic scepter with an apple on top, the only apple actually present at the parade.\nCollege Republicans and Democrats agreed that activities such as parade marching are a chance to become involved in, and possibly influence, politics outside the "Bloomington bubble." \nSophomore Jamie Honigman, a member of College Democrats, said it's important for students to become involved in the community and to be aware of the people who will be "laying down pavement" for the future.\n"I think we're at such a ripe age for election time right now," she added. "Why not be involved with what's going on"